TURA: In the wake of recent violent incidents- the killing of NCP candidate, Jonathone N Sangma along with three others in an IED blast and the gunning down of GNLA chief Sohan D Shira, Co-Adviser to the Conglomeration of Peace Committee, Rev Frithing D Sangma has appealed to all Churches in Garo Hills to pray for peace and to citizens to maintain it at all cost. An appeal was also made by the committee, to those in militant organizations to shun violence and retaliation.
Expressing deep sadness at the loss of lives of civilians, police personnel as well as militants in the last few years, the committee said that although Garo Hills had witnessed senseless violence and killings, peace and normalcy was steadily returning to Garo Hills due to the prayers of the Churches and efforts of the citizens, the law and order department and the good response of the militants.
“Within these three years, as many as 250 brethren from different militant outfits have laid down their arms and joined the mainstream and their loved ones. The Peace Committee requests the Government of Meghalaya, the Churches and all citizens to appreciate their good will and help them out in every possible way to make their way into the society once again,” the committee said.
In an appeal to those who are still languishing in the jungles, the committee urged them to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream to live their lives among family and loved ones.
“Besides the State Government and Churches, we also appeal to citizens of Garo dominated areas in Meghalaya and Assam to help facilitate their homecoming. Let everyone contribute his or her share of goodwill and prayer, to restore the true beauty and goodness of our beloved motherland,” it added.